Fantasy Baseball Sleepers 2011: Seth Smith, OF, Colorado Rockies

Prior to being called up by the Rockies in 2007, Seth Smith's biggest claim to fame was being the backup QB to Eli Manning at Ole Miss.

He has since gone on to become one of the best pinch hitters in the game over the past three seasons.

With the exodus of Brad Hawpe, Smith is now penciled in to be the Rockies starting right fielder this season and this opportunity should have fantasy players taking notice.

Seth Smith -- OF -- Colorado Rockies

2010 Stats -- .246/.314/.469, 17 HR, 52 RBI, 55 runs, 2 steals

Average Draft Position -- 305

Sleeper Scale Rating (#1-5) -- 4

Smith is a big, strong guy who has waited patiently for his turn as a regular and appears poised be the Rockies everyday right fielder. He has a sweet left handed swing and is a lethal low-ball hitter.

He has a very mature, patient approach at the plate and waits for the pitcher to give him his pitch, then hits it with authority. Smith has demonstrated the ability to take walks, too, which gives him a chance to show off his above-average speed.

Though he hasn't run much thus far in his career, I am sure he would steal 10-15 bases in full-time action.

The real potential here for Seth Smith is to be a run producing powerhouse in the middle of a pretty good lineup.

With players like Dexter Fowler, Ian Stewart, Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez all coming of age, Smith will have plenty of protection and opportunities to drive in runs this year.

Smith's power stroke also plays very well in the thin air of Colorado and he projects to hit close to 30 HR's if given 500+ at-bats.